Throughout the year we have seen various changes in the media landscape, with the rise of the fashion influencer continuing to dominate consumer habits, the emergence of ‘social media brands’, that historically would have been industry secrets long before they became must haves with many IRL moments being perfectly captured on the socials. Having sorted through the memes here are some of the B2B Media Team’s top picks:
Ultra Violet is soon to be usurped by Living Colour, as the colour of the year changes and we near the end of 2018, we wanted to share some of our highlights of the year.
2018 has been quite an interesting one in terms of fashion and there have been numerous, “Did you see that”, moments in the office, from the slew of new creative directors taking the reigns at the big houses, the Royal Weddings, the noteworthy catwalk presentations, the MeToo movement within the industry, the increasing visibility of conscious clothing, through to Cardi B throwing her shoe at Nicki Minaj at the Harper’s NYC soiree and the faux pas of Dolce & Gabbana’s tone deaf advertisement.
Throughout the year we have seen various changes in the media landscape, with the rise of the fashion influencer continuing to dominate consumer habits, the emergence of ‘social media brands’, that historically would have been industry secrets long before they became must haves with many IRL moments being perfectly captured on the socials. Having sorted through the memes here are some of the B2B Media Team’s top picks:
Year in, year out for me it is always all about Queen B. Beyonce always steps up to the plate when it comes to fashion, which is never used as a sole vehicle, but more as an element that contributes to a bigger moment. Her recent performance at the Global Citizen Festival, was noteworthy for me, especially as I am from South Africa.
Beyonce used the moment not only to celebrate 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, his political and philanthropic work, but on a wider scale how his legacy personally inspired her. The looks were all ‘moments’, from the reimagined Versace looks through to the Mary Katrantzou cape, which featured a map print of Africa’s 54 countries. Her performances always leave me in awe, a multi-layered artist with talent and vision, I look forward to seeing much more of Mrs. Carter in the New Year!
We all know Rihanna is the reigning Queen of the Met Gala. This year however, she took her outfit to a whole new level, dressing as the Pope. Who else but Rihanna could pull off wearing a bishop’s hat? For her Catholicism-inspired look, she wore a breath-taking Maison Margiela gown, complete with a papal tiara reminiscent of those worn by Popes from the medieval era which she paired with Christian Louboutin heels. The outfit went beyond the literal thanks to its exquisitely detailed construction, in total, the outfit took 250 hours to sew and 500 hours to hand embroid! Her sartorial tribute to Catholicism will undoubtedly go down in fashion history.
My fashion moment is Bella Hadid at the Harper’s Bazaar Icon party. She looked Amazing! I must have looked at her picture for a good ten minutes, just in awe of the complete look that her and her team had put together. The make up, hair and cinched in waist and pushed up chest, reminded me of 90s supermodel glamour, it was just perfect. I remember going onto my Instagram feed, and seeing so many other of my friends mirroring my exact thoughts on this look. Bella Hadid killed it! I had lunch with my friend a few days later, and she turned up with the exact same haircut. Safe to say, this wasn’t a coincidence.
I have always been inspired by hip-hop style and sports inspired fashion, so have been really happy to see it emerge as a forerunner in the style stakes throughout 2018. Having not really experienced it the first time round (when I was dressing more like Cher in Clueless) the 90s resurgence has been fused into my own wardrobe, chunky sneakers, oversized jackets and hoodies, colourpop shirts that look like the lovechild of Fresh Prince Will Smith and OutKast.
Personal highlights from the year have been A$AP Rocky, rocking a silk scarf, oversized shades and yes a pearl encrusted ring on the red carpet, which can only be described as modern dandy. Along with A$AP, I have loved Migos maximalist approach to fashion, yes it is trashy, but they own it and Tyler The Creator, his sock sandal ensembles have inspired no end of hot steppers throughout the year and I approve!
For me a fashion moment is something that has defined a bigger moment in time, where the clothing is as memorable as the occasion and vice versa. In 2018 there was one moment that stood out for me, from a design house that has always been responsible for iconic moments and that was the sale of Versace. In September Versace was sold to Michael Kors, a brand known for capitalising on the mid-market, aspirational spend and not the decadent, delicious, luxury product that has throughout the years been part of many a moment, including ’those moments’ on Jennifer Lopez, Princess Diana and Liz Hurley. Hopefully we will not see any change to the signature of Versace, which has been so strong through not only the Gianni years, but continually under the exacting eye of Donatella and her team.
Like a flood of fresh air, the British Royal family, deeply set in tradition and a stiff upper lip – welcomed the mix-raced American/Canadian divorcee and prime time TV actress Ms Meghan Markle into their fold. In true rom com movie style, the beautiful actress caught the eye of our cheeky prince just three years ago, and just like that, we have witnessed a whirlwind courtship, engagement, royal wedding and now baby on board. Ms Markle courted the media, chose her allies and wooed the British public in the lead up to her BIG FAT ROYAL WEDDING. Planned with precision and poise, alongside her leading woman, aka the world’s most elegant woman – mamma Doria. The one who won our hearts and admiration, sat ALONE at her beloved daughters magnificent wedding. Apparently Doria has the moves too (how perfect can this woman be!), it was reported she let her hair down at the reception party of the newly titled Duchess of Sussex.
For me, an unashamed fan of the New Royals, like I am the New British Vogue, this was a moment in 2018 – one which I will always remember. Thanks Megs for bringing some sunshine to what has been a difficult year for us all, for so many reasons.
The Royal Wedding brought us a colourful guest list, consisting of guests which even more colourful pasts, a preacher who preached and shocked, South London’s finest – the Kingdom Choir, that killer watt smile from the ordinary girl about to become a real-life princess and THAT DRESS. Claire Waight Keller did us all proud with her modern execution and fairy-tale interpretation for Givenchy. Brilliance, I liked it, a lot.
It’s been a wonderful fashion moment for Megan, mostly, let’s not talk about any not so great style decisions.
Cut to the 10th December 2018, at the British Fashion Awards, where Meghan makes a surprise appearance (cradling her now very visible baby bump, again not a very Royal thing to do) to tremendous applause – where she honours the designer responsible for the dress of her dreams, Claire Waight Keller.
I’m going raise a glass to our new Duchess, sisterhood and positive vibes for 2019.
Now Meghan, it’s time to put your feet up, give yourself a pat on the back for making history in 2018…with unforgettable strong girl power and fashion moments too.
2018 Adios.
Team B2B Media x